U.S. fines Mexican airline for failing to display baggage fees

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A $130,000 fine is assessed against Mexican discount airline Volaris

The rule on disclosing baggage fees went into effect in January

This is the first fine under the rule

Mexican discount airline Volaris has been slapped with a $130,000 fine for failing to alert passengers to potential baggage fees -- the first such fine levied under a new regulation, the Department of Transportation said Friday.

Under the rule, which took effect in January, carriers operating in the United States must clearly and prominently disclose applicable baggage fees on the first screen that offers a fare price to customers.

"Volaris' website displayed itineraries that listed the fares for outbound and inbound flights, but failed to inform consumers that additional baggage fees might apply," the department said in a news release.

"We adopted our rule on baggage fees to make sure that consumers have complete and accurate information about how much they will have to pay when they book a flight," Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said in the written statement. "We will continue to take enforcement action when carriers fail to comply with our rules."

A check of the airline's website on Friday showed passengers were allowed up to 33 pounds of luggage free of charge, while other fees charged for baggage were displayed during the ticket-booking process.

Volaris, based in Mexico City, operates flights throughout Mexico and to 10 cities in the United States. The airline began service in 2006.